The Geochemistry, Geochronology and Thermochronology cluster conducts research on method development and the application of geochemical techniques to the timing, evolution and rates of geological, biological, and environmental processes.
We apply a broad range of elemental (major and trace elements) and isotope (radiogenic and stable) geochemistry methods to address a wide range of questions in Earth and environmental sciences. Our cluster also utilises an array of geochronological and thermochronological tools to determine the timing and rates of geological processes. These include the Rb-Sr, U-Pb, U-series, Lu-Hf, 40Ar/39Ar, fission track, (U-Th-Sm)/He, 14C, paleomagnetism and OSL techniques.
Our research encompasses areas such as:
- Mantle evolution
- Paleo-environmental and paleo-climate change
- Magmatism
- Subduction zone processes
- Kimberlite and related rock petrogenesis
- The timing of hominin evolution
- Continental tectonics
- Earth's magnetic field evolution
- Landscape evolution
- The geochemistry of geological carbon storage.
- This work spans the globe and we have active research programs on most continents.
Our laboratories and working groups
Isotope and Trace Element Geochemistry Research Group
The Isotope and Trace Element Geochemistry Research Group specializes in the development and application of trace element, and radiogenic and non-traditional stable isotope analyses to constrain the (geo)chemical history of materials – including cavestones, waters, minerals, archeological artefacts and biological materials.
The laboratory currently operates an ICPMS, SF-ICPMS, MC-ICPMS and a CC-MC-ICPMS, for routine analysis of Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, Lu-Hf, U-Th-Pb, Mg and Li.
Melbourne Thermochronology
The Melbourne Thermochronology Research Group specialises in the development and application of temperature-sensitive radiometric dating techniques, which they utilise to constrain the low-temperature history of continental crust in relation to continental extension, the origin and evolution of sedimentary basins and rifted continental margins, the development of orogenic belts, landscape evolution, and the long-term stability of cratonic regions.
The Group operates four comprehensively equipped laboratories for Fission Track analysis, (U-Th)/He analysis, Laser-Ablation Quadrupole ICP-Mass Spectrometry, and Cosmogenic Isotope Target preparation.
https://www.melbournethermochronology.com/
Noble Gas Geochronology Research Group
The Noble Gas Geochronology Research Group primarily conducts research in 40Ar/39Ar geochronology and thermochronology.
Our current areas of research include the inter-calibration of 40Ar/39Ar flux monitor minerals, the development of high precision 40Ar/39Ar methods for dating of young (basaltic) volcanoes, geochronology of kimberlites and related rocks, the timing of various ore mineralisation (e.g. gold) events, orogenesis (e.g. Cape Fold Belt) and detrital mineral provenance studies.
Stable Isotope Geochemistry Research Group
The Stable Isotope Lab specialises in the measurement of oxygen and carbon isotopes in carbonates, and oxygen and hydrogen isotopes in waters and other liquids. Instrumentation comprises: an AP2003 continuous-flow IRMS, a Nu Instruments Perspective dual-inlet IRMS (equipped for measuring both conventional and clumped isotopes), a Picarro L2120i water isotope analyser with an Induction Module for non-water liquids (e.g. wine), and a Picarro L2140i water isotope analyser equipped for Oxygen-17 analysis. Sample preparation equipment includes a New Wave Micromill, a TAIG micrmilling lathe, two analytical balances (including a microbalance), a masonry saw, dissecting microscopes, and sample cutting, sectioning and polishing equipment.
Please contact Russell Drysdale (rnd@unimelb.edu.au) for further details and analytical charges.
Luminescence Dating Facility
The luminescence dating facility in the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at The University of Melbourne uses the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) technique to date sediments and archaeological deposits.
Contact Henne May .
Computational Petrology Group
I model thermodynamic equilibrium in minerals and geological fluids, making me effectively a major-element geochemist. My work spans igneous and metamorphic petrology, with a focus on understanding how rocks can give us pressure and temperature constraints on tectonic processes.
Contact Eleanor Green
Email - eleanor.green@unimelb.edu.au
Research group - https://hpxeosandthermocalc.org/
Rock and Paleo Magnetism Research Group
The Rock and Paleo Magnetism Research Group specialises in Australian paleomagnetism and its applications for Geochronology, paleoclimatology and Archaeological Sciences.
